Commercial Estimators

I am searching for the answers on the "how to" rules for finding a great Jr. Estimator position with a new organization. I have a good background on residential construction and minor project management as well as sales. I am attending the Construction Estimator Institute for sitework estimating. The class revolves around earthwork, underground utilities and roads/paving. Even though I am extremely motivated, I am note sure how much my efforts will help push me forward. If anyone has suggestions, direction or employment information in the Baltimore/DC area, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a mil.

Micah- 
I saw there was no response to your post. 

If were you I would create a profile on the free career hub/ career builder page then paste similar information from your resume into new profiles listed above. This should get you more than enough exposure, while providing additional options should you end up landing a career that is not to your liking.

Good Luck!

Nate

Micah-

the best place for a junior estimator is at an ASPE chapter meeting learning from the old pros.

You can learn more at:  http://www.aspenational.com/1chapters.html.

The ASPE online classes are state of the art: www.aspeeducation.org

Thanks for the advice Nate. I will look into it.  Micah

I can't recommend strongly enough how important it is to get hooked up with a local ASPE chapter.  Contact the chapter president to find out what's going on in the area. I've been in this business for 36 years, and hookep up with ASPE since 1978, certified in 1982, and my entire career has been very successful as a result of ASPE. Get hooked up with ASPE, your efforts will be well rewarded.

Call me if you need help.

Chris Kinney, CPE

cell: 610-304-5059

Learn as much as you can regarding LEED and Estimating Software!

Paper will be dead soon!

Welcome aboard,

I will echo the other's push for the ASPE, the old dogs do have some tricks and are an invaluable reasource for networking.  If you want to continue to pursue sitework estimating you may want to check in with some local civil engineers or landscape architects or even local public works agencies.

Good luck.

Micah, i will advise you to consider the option of joining the local ASPE in your area. I was in the same shoe like you when i came to USA barely over a year now. I was totally lost. The first step i took was attending ASPE meeting, to my surprise everyone accepted me and they showed me the direction. The second step was enrolling in ASPE's online estimating classes. These two steps i took worked for me. One thing is to know what you want and the other is to have the determination to go for it. I can see you getting a job soon.

Micah,

The construction industry is desperate for estimators.  I cannot imagine that you will be unemployed for long.  Everyone is right, if you want to get a job as an estimator you need to make a connection with other estimators.  Go to those ASPE meetings, talk to the people there, they are going to know who is hiring.  Then once you get the job, work hard, put in the time it takes to become skilled at your job.  If you are a good estimator, you will have a secure future.  There aren’t enough estimators to fill the positions that will soon become available as the boomer generation retires, so it’s looking good for you.

Look in the ASPE National Job Search web site.  www.aspenational.org/Employment.htm

Call your local Builders Exchange and ask if you can have a free 2 week trial.  I don't know if they give free trials to individuals.  If they do, check out jobs that are bidding in your area and work fields you are interested in and see who is bidding.  These are the companies that do work in your fields of interest.

 Look in www.thebluebook.com and search in your areas, Washington DC or Maryland, and enter a Keyword for the fields you are interested in.  that will get you a list of local contractors.